Once again with thanks

[mspath]

Sunrise leaving Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, 8:42am, October 12, 2011

"Life is the fire that burns and the sun that gives light.
Life is the wind and the rain and the thunder in the sky.
Life is matter and is earth, what is and what is not,
and what beyond is in Eternity." Seneca

From 2004 through 2011 I have walked the Camino Frances in its entirety
seven times. Each pilgrimage developed into a rich mix of old friends and
new, fickleness of weather, stamina and health and, of course,
philosophical musings and personal thanksgiving for each day lived.

Although age and time will inevitably take their toll,
now at 73 what matters most is to go on!
Thankful, respectful and humble,
but still curious and with an ever eager heart
I will walk again the Camino Frances starting October 15.

If you are there perhaps our paths my cross; if not follow my blog,
MSCamino >> http://mscamino.blogspot.fr/

Ultreia!

Margaret Meredith

 

[markss]

Margaret you are amazing! What an inspiration!

Buen Camino times a million!

 

[C clearly]

Best wishes! Your encouragement was very helpful to me. I am still in the (last-minute) planning stages for a camino in late October-November, if all goes well. I'm planning to start in Astorga, so maybe we'll cross paths.

 

[robertt]

This gives me such a boost. Don't know why. It just does.

Allez, la conquoise!

Rob

 

[peregrina2000]

From one "golden-ager" (according to RENFE anyway) to another, wishing you a wonderful Camino. You've helped me a lot with many different little details over the years, and I look forward to reading about your adventures.

I know you'll keep in touch, I know you'll savor every minute, buen camino, Laurie

 

[Gailsie]

OMG, and I was congratulating myself on planning to walk for my 65th birthday. What a fantastic photo and have written down the quote as it is quite inspirational. Buen camino!!

 

[Kialoa3]

Margaret,

You have been a wise and faithful guide for many of us on this forum. I shall look forward to reading your insightful observations once again. Also BTW, thanks for the encouragement of your spirit. Life truly isn't over until it is over. Have fun.

Safe passage and Buen Camino,
John

 

[zzotte]

Hello Margaret, you have been an inspiration to me I read many many entries from you in this forum, I will also start Oct 15 my first at 60 ( A birthday gift to myself) and maybe If I'm lucky enough to meet you would be an honor. Wow! seven times

Zo

 

[David]

I found myself just sitting here smiling gently and feeling quite sentimental when reading your post.

Margaret, you are a wonder! Marvellous!

Buen Camino!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MontanaWendy]

Margaret, I'll be right behind you... starting out on the 18th. I want you to know that I have found much inspiration in your blogs and your posts here. I appreciate how helpful and kind you are to everyone.

Buen Camino!

 

[Kitsambler]

Best wishes for weeks of interesting companions, delicious meals, and thoughtful time of awareness and connection!

 

[mspath]

Earlier today I walked into the city and up the hill to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela thus completing my 8th Camino Frances! After hiking at least 5 hours daily for 53 days while always carrying my fully loaded backpack, I am sincerely thankful that I made it!! Weary but thrilled, I feel as if I have been rehewn during this pilgrimage. My bones may be the same but much else seems configured differently from how I set out eight weeks ago from Saint Jean Pied de Port. As always I have relearned which qualities are most important - caritas, sincerity, serendipity,tenacity and endurance. All of us who walk here whatever our reasons or beliefs must share similar quickened emotions upon arrival. The weight of history is so great with the accumulated layers of centuries, both visible and invisible. One can see much and also feel or imagine even more such as hoards of past pilgrims following the same timeless route towardr the cathedral. When at last I arrived it was at the simple northeast corner and not one of major entrances. I put my hand on the ancient stone, offered thanks for all that has been to enable this and wept.

 

[Milepost99]

Awesome Margret! Congratulations.

 

[canadiandude]

You're a true inspiration, Margaret! I hope I have a chance to meet yo sometime along the Camino. I wholeheartedly agree with your support of the smaller "off the beaten track" private albergues. That is the same choice that I made when planning my first Camino for next June. Buen Camino!

 

[robertt]

MM's done it again! And don't be surprised if next year...

 

[annakappa]

Will done, well done, Margaret!

 

[dmartin53]

Blessings to you, Margaret. You were an inspiration to me when I was planning my camino for Sept 2012. I thought of you and your spirit, tenacity and sense of peace while walking. The forum is blessed to have you as a member.

 

[jennysa]

What an amazing journey you have had yet again, and what an inspiration you are to all of us. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[sillydoll]

If you want to meet Margaret on the Camino you might have to buy thermals and a winter beanie!

So many winter Caminos Margaret!!

 

[cecelia]

Hello Margaret,
I'm another of the many who followed your blog on this camino. Congratulations and thank you!
Now - I hope you're going someplace warm to relax for for awhile before the next challenge moves you.
Have a wonderful Christmas season!

 

[ouroboros]

Wonderful, Margaret, just wonderful!

Thank you for all your help and support while we prepared and your kind words
when we were on the road....

So amazed you completed your 8th Camino!
We walked into Santiago about 5 weeks before you, October 30th.
We took 34 days, but skipped some of the distance between Burgos and Leon.

All that you have said rings so true, and your advice was invaluable.

I am still absorbing and regrouping, but must catch up on your blog!

Congratulations and have a beautiful season of expectation, dear Margaret!